The high school swim season is well underway and OP Swim is on a roll. The team dove into a new season headfirst with new coaches Michael Bradley and Megan O’Connor in charge. The addition of new coaches always leads to some adjustment, but the swimmers have done a great job. Under the leadership of captains Luke Bernstein and Kyle Roethlin, the team holds a 3-4 record with wins against Union, Plainfield, and Elizabeth. Losses have come to very good teams like Summit and Scotch Plains. 

 

Oratory Swimming has gained some really strong swimmers since last year. Junior Patrick Tarka joined the team this year and is already making a name for himself. His dedication to two to three practices a day with his club team is paying dividends for OP, seeing time improvements in the 500 freestyle and other events. Freshman Dylan Zwally is another newcomer who has been dominating in the pool. Despite being a freshman, Zwally carries the team in multiple events, like the 100 Fly, and wins many of his races. He is one to keep an eye on as his high school career progresses, as he will certainly lead the team to new heights in the years to come.  

 

Consistently putting up points in the center of the pool as well are juniors Botond Rice, Pat Herrighty, and Sam Ilagan and seniors Luke Bernstein and Kyle Roethlin as key contributors to the team success. Filling out the ranks of OP Swimming are three new freshman Jack Sicat, Ethan Gaston, and John Shalhoub as well as dedicated returners including Tim Kling, Shawn Meyer, Aman Dhruve, Jack Hart, Nick Looney, and Dan Haran.

 

The team now prepares to enter championship season with the Union County Championship this Sunday, the NJSIAA Prep Championship meet in Lawrenceville, and the Non-Public B State Tournament. Stay tuned for updates on the results of these meets and seeding in the state tournament!